Sustainable Development Goals in Europe and Their Intersection with the Business & Human Rights Framework

Abstract

The state of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the European Union (EU) in the context of the EU framework governing business and human rights (B&HR) is worthy of consideration. This chapter follows the top-down approach: it explores the relevant EU legal and policy framework, takes into account the overarching European Commission’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs and related developments at the EU and broader international level, as well as the European Commission’s strategy concerning corporate social responsibility (CSR) and issues related therewith, aiming at examining their compatibility and, eventually, suggesting integrating proposals.

Keywords: Business, Human Rights, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, Corporate Accountability, International Law, Europe, European Law, Sustainable Development, UN Guiding Principles, ECHR, Public Procurement, Developing Countries, Supply Chains, Due Diligence, Duty of Vigilance, Liability, Remedies

JEL Classification: Q40, Q48, Q50, Q56, Q58, Q34, Q37, Q32, Q23, Q24, Q25, Q27, K33, K32, Q17, Q18